Toshie Kai

Microbe-dependent inter-organ communication regulates germline stem cell proliferation in Drosophila

This study shows that gut microbes influence germline stem cell proliferation in Drosophila by modulating metabolism, circadian genes, and hormonal signaling across tissues.

PIWI proximity proteome reveals Set1-mediated piRNA biogenesis for transposon silencing in telomere

The paper identifies Set1 as a key factor in Piwi-mediated transposon silencing and telomere control through piRNA biogenesis in Drosophila germline.

Squash ensures Spindle-E-dependent heterotypic ping-pong amplification of piRNAs in the Drosophila ovary

This study identifies Squash as a cofactor of Spindle-E that ensures heterotypic ping-pong piRNA amplification in Drosophila ovaries, preventing transposable element de-repression.

Paralog-dependent Specialization of Paf1C subunit, Ctr9, for Sex Chromosome Gene Regulation and Male Germline Differentiation in Drosophila

This study identifies Ctr9t, a testis-specific paralog of Paf1C subunit, as critical for male germline differentiation and sex chromosome gene regulation in Drosophila.

Transcriptional Repression of reaper by Stand Still Safeguards Female Germline Development in Drosophila

This study identifies stand still as a regulator of apoptosis in Drosophila female germline cells, revealing two mechanisms that suppress reaper transcription and prevent cell death.

In silico screening by AlphaFold2 program revealed the potential binding partners of nuage-localizing proteins and piRNA-related proteins

The paper uses AlphaFold2 to predict protein interactions among nuage and piRNA-related proteins, validating several novel interactions through experimental methods.

HemK2 functions for sufficient protein synthesis and RNA stability through eRF1 methylation during Drosophila oogenesis

This study identifies HemK2 as a methyltransferase that methylates eRF1, essential for protein synthesis and RNA stability during Drosophila oogenesis.

A pathway to produce non-coding piRNAs from endogenous protein-coding regions supports Drosophila spermatogenesis

The paper identifies a mechanism by which endogenous protein-coding regions generate non-coding piRNAs in Drosophila testes, which are essential for spermatogenesis and gene regulation.